Choosing to volunteer abroad in Peru within the Sacred Valley is a great way to combine sightseeing with service. Not only will you get to explore this history-rich, verdant region, but you’ll also become better acquainted with the locals who call it home. Volunteering here won’t be your typical tourist experience, and you’ll return home with a better understanding of the area’s magnificent beauty as well as its challenges.

Popular causes and program types in the Sacred Valley. No matter what your interests are, there’s a volunteer programs in Peru that’s right up your valley. Many programs offer the opportunity to get involved with education projects, whether you’re teaching English classes or assisting with after-school activities. Other programs focus on the environment and projects include trail maintenance, animal monitoring, and reforestation efforts. Some organizations provide an eco-tourism opportunity, allowing volunteers to live with a local family, learn Spanish or Quechua, and assist the family with daily duties such as farming.

Summer and short-term programs. If you only have a week or two but still want to give back, a short-term volunteer program is a great chance to learn more about life in the Sacred Valley (and perhaps throw in some sightseeing too!). Some volunteering in Peru tasks, like construction or conservation projects, lend themselves better to short timelines; it’s easier for a new volunteer to pick up where you left off and continue the work.

Long-term programs. While a short-term volunteer stint can be beneficial, if you really want to maximize your impact, your mantra should be, “the longer, the better.” Longer term volunteer programs in Peru of three months or more allow you to make personal connections (which is especially important when working with children), improve your fluency in Spanish, and become comfortable and efficient in the tasks required of you.